You might already have a business idea, a location in mind and a plan for getting started in Germany. But if you have a family, there is usually another question behind all of that: can we make this move together?
If you obtain a German residence permit for self-employment under Section 21 of the Residence Act, your spouse and unmarried children under 18 may be able to join you through family reunification. They will need their own immigration permission, and the requirements depend on your circumstances.
It is worth planning their applications alongside yours. Leaving the family paperwork until later can make an already demanding move harder to organise.
Does setting up a company allow your family to move?
Registering a business and getting permission to live in Germany are separate steps.
For a business founder applying under Section 21(1), the authorities assess matters such as demand for the business, its expected economic contribution and how it will be financed. Freelancers have a different application route within Section 21.
Your family’s applications need to fit around that residence route. A company registration certificate alone will not give everyone the right to relocate.
Our self-employment visa guide explains the founder’s application in more detail.
Can your spouse join you?
Yes, in principle. Your spouse can apply for family reunification if the relevant conditions are met.
Both of you generally need to be at least 18. When you married can also matter. One common basis for eligibility is that the marriage existed when your residence permit was granted and your expected stay in Germany exceeds one year. If your situation is different, other provisions or exceptions need to be checked.
If you are getting married around the time of your move, mention this early when seeking advice. It can affect how the applications should be prepared.
Will your spouse need a German language certificate?
A spouse joining a holder of a Section 21 residence permit is generally exempt from the basic German language requirement before entry.
Learning German will still help with daily life, from appointments to meeting neighbours. But it is useful to know that a language certificate is generally not a prerequisite for this particular family reunification route.
Can your spouse work?
A residence permit for spousal family reunification generally allows your spouse to work in Germany. They do not have to qualify separately for an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit to take employment.
Before they start, check the work permission shown on their visa or residence document. For regulated professions, professional recognition or a licence may also be necessary.
What about your children?
Unmarried children under 18 may qualify to join you. Their age, custody arrangements and whether they move at the same time as their parents can affect the requirements.
Pay particular attention if a child is 16 or 17, as additional rules may apply. Once a child turns 18, they generally need their own residence route.
If only one parent is moving, custody documents and the other parent’s consent may be required.
Check these points before committing to school dates or booking the whole family’s travel.
How do you show that you can support your family?
You generally need to show that your household can cover its living costs and has adequate health insurance. There is no single income figure that works for every family; the assessment depends on the household’s circumstances.
For a new business owner, the practical question is often: how will we pay for everyday life while the business gets established?
Prepare a clear household budget alongside your business figures. Include rent, insurance, food, transport and children’s expenses. If you will rely on savings during the first few months, make that clear and provide evidence.
Keeping business investment and family living expenses clearly explained will make your financial position easier to understand.
Do you need a particular size of home?
For a spouse and unmarried minor children joining someone with a Section 21 residence permit, the statutory requirement to demonstrate sufficient living space is waived.
You still need to arrange somewhere suitable to live and account for the cost. The exemption does not remove the separate financial requirements.
Can the whole family apply at the same time?
It may be possible to coordinate your business visa application with your family’s applications. Each person still has a separate application, so decisions may not arrive together.
Ask the responsible German mission how it handles linked family applications. Make sure the planned dates, financial information and supporting documents are consistent across them.
Preparing together can help, even if you eventually decide that one person should move first.
Which documents should you start gathering?
The German mission’s current checklist should guide you. Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
- Passports and application forms.
- Marriage and birth certificates.
- Custody documents or parental consent.
- Evidence of your residence permission or pending application.
- Financial records and health insurance evidence.
- Translations or authentication of civil documents.
Marriage and birth certificates are worth checking early. Getting a replacement, translation or authentication can take time.
Make a plan that works for everyone
Starting a business already gives you plenty to think about. Planning your family’s move at the same time helps you make decisions with a clearer picture of the costs, paperwork and timing.
Jaberi Lawyers can assess your business immigration route and your family’s options together, helping you understand what each application needs before you submit it.
Speak to Jaberi Lawyers about moving to Germany with your family.
This article provides general information. The requirements depend on your residence status and family circumstances.
